Alex Wood fans 12, Braves edge Nationals 3-1

ATLANTA (AP) — A visit from the Washington Nationals came at just the right time to fire up theAtlanta Braves.

Alex Wood said he and his teammates enjoy the playoff atmosphere that comes whenever they play Washington.

Wood set a career high with 12 strikeouts in 7 1-3 innings and the Braves beat Washington 3-1 on Sunday night to continue their recent success against the Nationals.

Atlanta won two of three in the series to cut Washington's lead to 3½ games in the NL East. The Braves are 9-4 against the Nationals this season and 22-10 over the last two years.

"It's almost like a playoff game when we play them, no matter when it is," Wood said. "I think we've got some guys that are gamers in here and really enjoy that challenge and enjoy rising to that occasion."

Wood (8-9), who allowed five hits, set another career high by throwing 124 pitches.

Justin Upton homered for the Braves, who had lost nine of their last 10.

Ian Desmond's fourth-inning homer was the only run allowed by Wood.

With the game tied 1-1, Emilio Bonifacio led off the fifth with a bunt single, despite a creative defensive effort by Gio Gonzalez (6-9). The pitcher fielded the ball with his back to first base and flipped the ball between his legs to Adam LaRoche. Bonifacio was safe despite a collision with LaRoche.

With two outs and Bonifacio on third, Jason Heyward hit a grounder to second baseman Danny Espinosa. LaRoche broke for the grounder, leaving first base uncovered because Gonzalez started running for the bag and then stopped before taking off again too late. Heyward was safe with the single as Bonifacio scored the go-ahead run.

"I should have gotten over," Gonzalez said. "There's no excuse. You've got to get over on that ball, keep your team in the game."